George Mizzell, VP of Engineering, produced a video with great detail and visuals showing the magnetic fields and profiles of different pyramid shapes. After reviewing the advantages and disadvantages below, check out the video — Pyramid Magnets – Understanding how they work.
Below is an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of pyramid magnets.
Advantages
Focused Field at the Tip
Unlike standard magnet shapes — rectangles, squares, discs, and cylinders — a pyramid magnet’s magnetic field is more focused and enhanced at the tip. This focused field gives more precise and repeatable results in areas such as biological testing, providing a constant parameter during research and data collection.
Uniform Field at the Base
While the tip of a pyramid magnet produces a more focused field, the base has a more uniform field in the center area. This uniform field has less magnetic strength but provides a larger area of uniformity than the tip.
No Power Required
Because a permanent magnet does not need power to generate a magnetic field like an electromagnet, researchers are using these strong magnets to conduct biological testing to determine the effects of magnetic fields on medical research, drugs, and lab testing. Magnetic fields can change the dynamics of cell structure and composition, and pyramid magnets are part of the research equipment furthering medical advancements. Immediate results of a magnetic field on cells can be seen almost immediately after exposure.
Assistance in Medical Devices
There are some size restrictions in manufacturing pyramid magnets, which usually makes them more appropriate for applications external to the body. However, external medical devices that gather data from sensors to provide positioning or other information find that pyramid magnets may be the correct shape due to their field profile.
Strong Pyramids Can Be Stronger Together
There are additional advantages when using two pyramid magnets facing each other with opposing poles. This pushes a magnetic field across the gap between the magnets that can be extremely uniform and constant. This is especially advantageous to medical lab testing where a known magnetic field is needed each time during testing. An example of this type of magnetic field can be found in a C-shaped design that we created for an academic customer who needed 2+ Tesla in a specific gap. You can view this design and another assembly in our Dipole Assembly Collection.
A Natural Mechanical Hold
Finally, a pyramid magnet can be paired up with steel to enhance the magnetic field further, and the shape of the magnet can allow it to act as its own mechanical hold. Because the shape of the pyramid is a natural taper, it can be inserted in an assembly and have the taper act as a mechanical hold. Of course, this is design dependent, so planning ahead on the requirements of the magnetic field will determine how the assembly is made. We can provide FEA and simulation services if required for your project.
Disadvantages
Cost of Manufacturing
Pyramid magnets require more machining and testing during production, which adds to the cost. However, the increased cost may be negated by their uniformity, focused field, and ability to provide repeatable results.
Size Limitations
Due to its shape, a pyramid magnet has limitations on how small it can be produced. Standard shapes — squares, discs, and cylinders — can be made in micro sizes, but a pyramid magnet needs a larger amount of material to produce.
Whether you are a scientist, engineer, or innovator involved in the research of new medical devices, drugs, and research, pyramid magnets may offer the right solution.
Additional Consideration
It is important to note that the use of pyramid magnets in medical devices requires careful consideration and testing. While pyramid magnets can offer significant benefits, they also pose potential risks, such as interference with other medical devices and unintended tissue damage. It’s crucial that medical device manufacturers thoroughly test their devices before bringing them to market to ensure they are safe and effective for patients. We offer comprehensive testing services to ensure that your device meets all necessary safety and performance standards.
If you’re interested in learning more about the use of pyramid magnets in medical applications or need assistance with designing and manufacturing custom pyramid magnets, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
About SM Magnetics
SM Magnetics is a privately owned company that provides design assistance with magnets, magnetic circuit design, engineering support, and production. For more information, visit www.smmagnetics.com or contact us at 205-621-8841.